2018-19 ECEL Playoffs 18U Recap

GUILFORD, Conn., –  The East Coast Elite League (ECEL) capped its 2018-19 season with a thrilling playoff weekend February 8-10, 2019, at Pilgrim Skating Arena in Hingham, MA. The players and fans were treated to outstanding preliminary-round and consolation game action throughout the weekend with the champions being crowned for the advancing clubs in the 18U, 16U, and 15U divisions.

Congratulations to the 2018-19 champion 18U Boston Advantage for taking home the hardware for the second season in a row!

18U Division

SEMIFINALS

Boston Advantage 2, Hill Academy 1 (OT) – The third-seeded Advantage apparently preferred to wait to final minute to get things done in the semifinals. Forward Steven Davis netted the equalizer with just 16 seconds remaining in regulation, set up by Jeff Pollara, to force overtime against Hill. Pollara then scored the clinching goal with just 37 seconds left in the first 10-minute OT to send Boston to the final.

After a scoreless opening half, Hill grabbed the lead less than two minutes into the second half on Sandro Bosmans’ goal. Goaltender Justin Lee kept Hill in the game with a 29-save performance.

95 Giants 4, New Jersey Titans 3 – Trailing 3-2 in the waning minutes of regulation, forward Helvis Rudzajs scored a power-play goal to tie the score for the 95 Giants with 6:28 remaining. Forward San Jemmings then completed the comeback with an unassisted tally with just 1:22 left, allowing the fourth-seeded Giants to upset the No. 1 Titans.

Chris Adam notched a goal and assist for the Giants, while goaltender Jake Urban stood out with a 50-save performance. Meanwhile, forward Alexander Konovalov scored twice for New Jersey, while Connor Tartaglione added two assists.

FINAL

Boston Advantage 5, 95 Giants 0 – The Advantage captured their second straight ECEL 18U title behind a goal and two assists from Ryan Turse and a 15-save shutout performance from goalie Austin Kofluk. Forwards Blake Davis and Steven Davis chipped in with a goal and assist for the champions.

Goalie Jake Urban turned aside 25 shots in the loss for the Giants.